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  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech

pushrod vs modular

  • Thread starter Thread starter deadlast
  • Start date Start date Aug 9, 2005
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deadlast

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Mar 30, 2005
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Aug 9, 2005
#1
  • Aug 9, 2005
  • #1
well, i just totaled my 94 5.0. after looking around for a new car, i came across several sn95 4.6l in my price range (around 6000). what i would like to know is, how much harder is the 4.6 to work with, its aftermarket, reliability vs the pushrod, and other general comparisons b/w the two.
 

2000 blown conv

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Apr 5, 2005
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Aug 9, 2005
#2
  • Aug 9, 2005
  • #2
deadlast said:
well, i just totaled my 94 5.0. after looking around for a new car, i came across several sn95 4.6l in my price range (around 6000). what i would like to know is, how much harder is the 4.6 to work with, its aftermarket, reliability vs the pushrod, and other general comparisons b/w the two.
Click to expand...
If I could do it again, I would go pushrod...Problem around here is drive safe emission tests every 2 years and my car doesn't qualify under hot rod clause till next year..I'd go with 408...
 

helty

some Ukrainian's enjoying a handjob via my credit
Mar 30, 2005
1,461
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Baltimore, MD
Aug 9, 2005
#3
  • Aug 9, 2005
  • #3
well first of all if you decide to get a 4.6l, make sure its a 99+ or if its a 96-98 it has the pi head/cam/intake swap. the 99-mid 01's have the t-45 tranny, while the mid 01's and up have the stronger t-3650 with the infamous 1-2, 2-3 grind/notchiness. 96-98gt's make around (correct me if im wrong) 215hp? while 99+ are 260hp/300ft/lbs at the crank i think.

anyway, its up to you. sometimes i wish i would have a 5.0, but i like the 4.6 too. the aftermarket has embraced the 4.6. it depends on how much modding you plan on doing. if its just basic bolt-ons, the 4.6 isnt really hard to work on. but when it comes to headswaps and cams and intakes, there arent as many options. pretty much vt or comp cams, and ported stock heads, then theres accufab, c&l, dragon intake plenums. you can still make gobs of power with a mod motor. they love being blown the mods love to rev too. they're also pretty reliable.

with the 5.0, there are a lot more options when it comes to heads, upper/lower intakes, probably more options when it comes to cams too. as far as different manufacturers anyway.

im no expert by any means, but like any car, if you want the power, you gotta be willing to spend the $$$. just do some research before you make you choice. ive had mine for 8 months and im still learning more crap about it every day.
 
T

Torinalth

Founding Member
Jul 16, 2002
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Clayton NC
Aug 9, 2005
#4
  • Aug 9, 2005
  • #4
my brother has a 5.0, i have a 4.6. headers are easier on the 5.0, anything intake is easier on the 4.6. suspension is about the same, and major engine work looks to be about the same. the 5.0 does have more options available, but i prefer my 4.6 to my brothers 5.0. its really a matter of taste. if you really loved the 5.0 then you prolly wont like the 4.6. I got started on imports and went to the the 4.6 as it works more like an import then the old school blocks that the 5.0 comes from.

each will make insane power, and knowledge is plentiful around here. you cant go wrong with either.... but like said above get a 99+

Torinalth
 

DBMSTNG

I fantasize about it being BIG!
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Apr 23, 2002
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Aug 9, 2005
#5
  • Aug 9, 2005
  • #5
the 4.6L 2V is limited to about 320rwhp n/a unless you get really crazy. blown, the sky's the limit. reliability is fine with the 4.6L. treat it right and it will last a long long time.
 

mity2

I like Pro3 and all I got was this crappy CT.
Jul 24, 2003
2,872
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StateCollege PA
Aug 9, 2005
#6
  • Aug 9, 2005
  • #6
i myself like 5.0... oh the sound of 5.0 with o/r H and flowmaster ....
 
C

Chris00GT

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Jan 28, 2001
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York Springs, PA
Aug 9, 2005
#7
  • Aug 9, 2005
  • #7
I have both a 00gt and a 92 LX notch. I like the 92 because the parts are cheeper and easier to find used parts. I like the 00 because it's newer and more comfortable to drive every day. To work on both have there pro's and con's.
 

helty

some Ukrainian's enjoying a handjob via my credit
Mar 30, 2005
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Baltimore, MD
Aug 9, 2005
#8
  • Aug 9, 2005
  • #8
Chris00GT said:
I have both a 00gt and a 92 LX notch. I like the 92 because the parts are cheeper and easier to find used parts. I like the 00 because it's newer and more comfortable to drive every day. To work on both have there pro's and con's.
Click to expand...
not to hi-jack the thread or anything, but i noticed your name is kauffman, from york springs pa. is that kauffman as in kauffmans motorsports in dillsburg?
 

Gearbanger 101

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#9
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Both engines are stone reliable. I'd say if you want to build a weekend and/or a track car and money is a concern, go with another 5.0L. If it's going to be mainly a daily driver and you want trouble free driving that you don't have to worry about a 10+ year old part failing on you, the 4.6L is the only way to fly.
 
B

B's 96 GT

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#10
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  • #10
i'm looking at getting a 5.0 but i have a 4.6. i want a car that is fun to drive and not terribly expensive to get up to the 400 area. mine will be a nice day and summer car. i have a 96 so that is the only reason i'm considering the 5.0 really. plus you can add a bigger motor and not have the problems as you do with the 4.6, or least that is what i've heard.
 

Gearbanger 101

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B's 96 GT said:
i'm looking at getting a 5.0 but i have a 4.6. i want a car that is fun to drive and not terribly expensive to get up to the 400 area. mine will be a nice day and summer car. i have a 96 so that is the only reason i'm considering the 5.0 really. plus you can add a bigger motor and not have the problems as you do with the 4.6, or least that is what i've heard.
Click to expand...
A 400hp 5.0L and a 400hp 4.6L are gonna cost you about the same amount of money.
 
C

Chris00GT

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Aug 10, 2005
#12
  • Aug 10, 2005
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helty said:
not to hi-jack the thread or anything, but i noticed your name is kauffman, from york springs pa. is that kauffman as in kauffmans motorsports in dillsburg?
Click to expand...

Yep, I work there
 

jstreet0204

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Jun 26, 2003
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Aug 10, 2005
#13
  • Aug 10, 2005
  • #13
Gearbanger 101 said:
A 400hp 5.0L and a 400hp 4.6L are gonna cost you about the same amount of money.
Click to expand...

When I was pricing blowers a couple of years ago, 4.6 kits ran about a thousand more than what you'd pay for a 5.0 kit. Prices may have come down though.
 

BooWFO

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May 10, 2005
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Louisville, KY
Aug 10, 2005
#14
  • Aug 10, 2005
  • #14
Ok just from a parts price almost everything is more expensive for a mod. Aftermarket is still lacking IMO and I still see NEW parts coming out for the 5.0L. Ok here's a typical 5.0 on a budget.
Cam 180
UD pullies 80
intake 400 or less
heads 1k-2k (ohhhhhh AFR's)
roller rockers 200
gears, shifter, clutch all the same price

4.6
cams 600
ud pullies 200
heads 1500-2500 (cnc ported which are stockers right?)
intake 1500+ (may need a hood etc. and upper plenum really not that much help)
also you'll need a tune on the mod or at least a timing adjuster....since on the 5.0 you can advance or retard it as you see fit.

Also blowers are ALOT cheaper for 5.0's my buddy was looking at vortech complete kit 1800 try doing that for a mod..
 

Gearbanger 101

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BooWFO said:
Also blowers are ALOT cheaper for 5.0's my buddy was looking at vortech complete kit 1800 try doing that for a mod..
Click to expand...
Try making 400rwhp with a blower alone on a stock 5.0L though. With the crappy stock E7TE heads/intake you're not even gonna come close. You need blower and bolt ons to see that number with a 5.0L......which is where the extra cost is endured, where with some creating shopping, you'll see 400rwhp with just a blower alone on a 4.6L. Like I said....it's gonna cost you about the same amount of money.
 

mity2

I like Pro3 and all I got was this crappy CT.
Jul 24, 2003
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Aug 10, 2005
#16
  • Aug 10, 2005
  • #16
wasn't there Vortech kits thats like 1900bucks for 5.0at one point?
 

BooWFO

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#17
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Gearbanger 101 said:
Try making 400rwhp with a blower alone on a stock 5.0L though. With the crappy stock E7TE heads/intake you're not even gonna come close. You need blower and bolt ons to see that number with a 5.0L......which is where the extra cost is endured, where with some creating shopping, you'll see 400rwhp with just a blower alone on a 4.6L. Like I said....it's gonna cost you about the same amount of money.
Click to expand...
But if you follow the build up the engine first then add the power adder 5.0 is cheaper. Plus each step of the way is cheaper. Also just my quick mental calc would put a 5.0 with a base vortech at what 350ish at the crank right. and the same basic kit would put a mod at what 360ish at the crank right. Oh and if you don't mind used parts a 5.0 is WAY cheaper just from there been way more of them. Now going 400rwhp is going to cost no matter which route is taking, however if someone is more concerned about been able to build to a certain level on a budget I don't see how the mod will win. Also if they go with a Foxbody the weight and readily availble parts is the way to go. Now if a newer style is more their liking then yes the mod is the way to go. Also if the original poster was to go with the 96-98 like posted won't he in fact need to do a PI swap and since there will be the increase in compression FI would then force either fly cutting the pistons or changing them correct? Also that is a 7-9yrold car how much additionall work is there between a 7-9 and a 11-10 yr old car?
Now if you know where I can pickup a complete blower setup for a mod for less than 3000 please share because I would REALLY like to be blown. hehehe I just love saying that.
 

Gearbanger 101

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#18
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BooWFO said:
But if you follow the build up the engine first then add the power adder 5.0 is cheaper. Plus each step of the way is cheaper. Also just my quick mental calc would put a 5.0 with a base vortech at what 350ish at the crank right. and the same basic kit would put a mod at what 360ish at the crank right. Oh and if you don't mind used parts a 5.0 is WAY cheaper just from there been way more of them. Now going 400rwhp is going to cost no matter which route is taking, however if someone is more concerned about been able to build to a certain level on a budget I don't see how the mod will win. Also if they go with a Foxbody the weight and readily availble parts is the way to go. Now if a newer style is more their liking then yes the mod is the way to go. Also if the original poster was to go with the 96-98 like posted won't he in fact need to do a PI swap and since there will be the increase in compression FI would then force either fly cutting the pistons or changing them correct? Also that is a 7-9yrold car how much additionall work is there between a 7-9 and a 11-10 yr old car?
Click to expand...
The point of this comparison wasn’t which car is lighter, or which body style someone liked better. It was a comparison between the two in cost to make it to 400rwhp. I didn’t say the mod motor would win, I said that reaching 400rwhp with each vehicle would cost about the same thing (give or take a couple of hundred in either direction). You can build the 5.0L up with better heads and supporting parts if you wish…and many people do elect to do that, but the fact of the matter remains, that by doing so, you’re continually adding to the overall cost. The stock 99-up Modular heads/Intake are head over heels better than the 5.0L’s E7TE’s hardware and even rival that of most of the mid-level entries of the 5.0L’s aftermarket. Even the pre-’99 NPI head castings flow every bit as well as an off the shelf set of GT-40’s. More than enough to support over 400rwhp. You’re going to need to make minor modifications to the intake and exhaust end of either car to see the mark, but those costs are relative between either car. If you want to throw used parts into the mix, they’re starting to get pretty similar in comparison there as well. I paid $600.00 Canadian + shipping right to my door for a set of barely used (16,000miles) 2001 PI heads, cams and intake. Can you say the same for a used H/C/I combination for an OHV?

5-6 years ago before the Modular motor market and understanding from a performance aspect really took off, I’d completely agree with you. But now a days, it’s anybody’s ballgame.
BooWFO said:
Now if you know where I can pickup a complete blower setup for a mod for less than 3000 please share because I would REALLY like to be blown. hehehe I just love saying that.
Click to expand...

Blow this .....$2,950.00
http://modularpowerhouse.com/produc...id=99&osCsid=bc6c61389ae96c7a8369dea449835527

...complete Vortech kit, minus the tune......the hardware and selection of parts you would get for the 5.0L kits quoted above. As a matter of fact....I'm pretty confident that the 5.0L kits for less than $2,000.00 many people are seeing are traditional tuner kits, sans injectors and fuel pump as well as the tune.
 

mity2

I like Pro3 and all I got was this crappy CT.
Jul 24, 2003
2,872
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48
StateCollege PA
Aug 10, 2005
#19
  • Aug 10, 2005
  • #19
without tune, its FAR from complete dude...
thats like Body without brain
 

Gearbanger 101

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#20
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True and I never implied that it was complete, but all the components minus the tune are there....but if you want to compare the cost of the two, lets compare apples to apples here. I have yet to see a link to a 5.0L blower kit complete with tune for the $1,800-$1,900 price tag that you two have suggested either.
 
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